Someone recently asked how Christ has been working in our family. In fact, He has been very busy. 2022 was a big year, and Jesus was right in the middle of it all.
We celebrated the weddings of our oldest two and sent our youngest to college. Recently, we received news that our first grandchild will arrive later this year. We have a lot to cheer about.
We have also experienced setbacks. We lost a pet and managed to wreck several cars (four if you are curious). And we received some unwelcomed medical news. Angela began to experience vision problems.
We learned it was caused by a stroke at some point in the recent past. The process of adjustment and recovery is hard. Focus and reading are difficult. She is unable to drive requiring major lifestyle adjustments. Many days are filled with frustration and some with tears.
Even so, we cling, the two of us to each other and we to Jesus, like a cord of three strands. I do not know how anyone can go through the peaks and valleys of life without a loving, powerful, and sovereign God. As promised, He interrupted our sorrow and multiplied our joy.
True, there are times we want to clench our fists and demand that God tell us why. Even then, we know the answer. He as has a perfect plan for our lives. He is growing us into our future. Angela and I agree, we will walk this season out his way as He accomplishes what he wants in us.
Recently in church, I looked over at Angela during a hymn and noticed tears. I figured she was sad and frustrated trying to track the lyrics. But when I noticed her crying again the next week, I asked about it. She said with a humble smile, “I just can’t help it. Lately, when I sing praise songs . . . the words, their truth about our loving God . . . I’m overcome with joy.”
The next week, I was singing and crying right along with her. Our Lord is in full control, and that’s just the way we want it. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7
Angela and John Bell live in Mobile where John works as a corporate lawyer. They have three grown children.
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